CHER IS ‘WOMAN OF YEAR’ FOR HASTY PUDDING CLUB

Actress-singer Cher, who’s known for her exotic and stylish clothes, found herself upstaged by dozens of male students in drag as she accepted the “Woman of the Year” award from Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals Club.

The award was presented Wednesday to the actress after a traditional raucous, 20-minute parade through Harvard Square, in which club members decked out in wigs, gowns and makeup danced and swayed for thousands of passers-by.

“This is a nightmare,” the actress joked as she accepted the award, a small gold pot.

“I don’t know what the other recipients did with their pots, but I’m going to make mine into an earring,” she said.

Like past members of the 137-year-old club, students appeared for the parade in wigs of all colors, overdone makeup, overstuffed bosoms and fringed or tasseled floor-length gowns.

Cher rode in the parade perched atop a 1930s-vintage Lincoln Continental convertible that was pushed through the narrow streets by club members. As the car moved along, she signed autographs and waved at workers watching the spectacle from their offices.

Cher is the 35th woman to win the award, which recognizes a “lifetime contribution to entertainment.” Past recipients have included performers Katharine Hepburn, Bette Midler, Rosalind Russell, Angela Lansbury and Joan Rivers.

The club also presents a “Man of the Year” award, which is to be given next week to comedian Bill Murray.

Cher recently dyed her brunet hair blond and had it cut in a short, punk style.

“When you look at the people who have received this award, it’s hard to take it less than seriously,” Cher told the crowd.